Manning visiting Titans; decision not expected today

3:41 PM John Clayton: Buffalo still has Mario Williams locked in at their facility trying to convince him to be a Bill.

3:35 PM Browns S Mike Adams says he'll be visiting the Broncos; Adams has played fivee seasons in Cleveland after three with San Francisco. Last year he had three INTs, six passes defensed, and solo 41 tackles in 16 starts.

10:40 AM Jason La Canfora: Dolphins trying to retain NT Paul Soliai, who they franchised a year ago, but he has a trip scheduled to Denver #freeagency

Manning

3:36 Chris Mortensen: RT @Denverslim14: Is Denver out of the running? >> No. Still alive.

3:27 PM Michelle Beisner: Things are quiet here at The Cards facility. Team source telling me they are still very much in the mix to acquire Peyton Manning.

2:25 PM Latest version of Chris Mortensen's story says Manning is willing to speak with teams other than the four purported finali$t$

1:44 PM Adam Schefter: George Smith is reporting Titans are picking up Peyton Manning and bringing him back to Tennessee's training facility for meeting.

12:06 PM Michelle Beisner is very excited!!: Despite reports that The Cardinals are out of the Manning Sweepstakes, a team source told me that is news to them. AZ still in the mix!! Three O-Lineman will visit The Cards today. Demetrius Bell, Jake Scott, and Adam Snyder. O-Line is where they need the most help!!

11:19 AM Eagles Insider: #Eagles have traded OT Winston Justice and a 6th round pick to the #Colts for a 6th round pick. #Eagles have signed DT Antonio Dixon to a one-year contract. Dixon had been a restricted FA. #NFL Both sixth-round picks are for 2012. #Eagles move up from 17th in the round to 2nd. Justice's reported cap number had been over $4 mil.

10:45 AM Tim Twentyman: Calvin Johnson signs 7-year extension with Lions. 8 years total. Signed through 2019. Sources are telling me the Calvin deal is close to $130 million. Tops the Fitzgerald's $120 million deal

2:15 PM Jeff Darlington: Dolphins believe getting rid of Marshall will allow new coach to put his program into place without issues or distractions, sources say. Even w/o latest incident, Miami viewed this as time to insert Marshall into market because contract situation is more attractive to buyers. The Bears only had to inherit the 3 years left on Marshall’s deal w/o any guaranteed money, source said. FAs would require big guarantees. The question in all of this: Dolphins believe they ARE in hunt for Manning, but how did they sell this offense to Peyton w/o Marshall in it?

1:31 PM PFT: Per league source, the Jets, Eagles, Lions, and Patriots are interested in LaRon Landry.

By the way, Steve Mariucci just said that he doesn't understand what went wrong with Marshall in Miami, but that he can't imagine it happening in Chicago. I guess he doesn't know anyone from Denver.

Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-03-14 16:50:18

Per Adam Schefter: Eagles agreed to new contract with DeSean Jackson. Five years, $51 million.

Wow. Just... wow.

Posted by Bob on 2012-03-14 16:50:12

Hopefully his increased effort last year wasn't just due to the fact he was in a contract year

Posted by RockyMtnThunder on 2012-03-14 16:48:30

Thanks, Doc. And they have done much worse (see Moore, Rahim)!

Posted by Royalwithcheese on 2012-03-14 16:34:44

Royal - that's about right. Adams will turn 30 this month. He's played for Cleveland the last 5 seasons and he's a solid veteran. He gave them 64 tackles last season and he's also decent in coverage. Denver could do much worse.

Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-03-14 16:32:57

Via PFF's live blogging: Steve Hutchinson is now visiting the Seahawks. I wonder if the Titans were unable to sell him on playing for them?

Posted by Bob on 2012-03-14 16:30:56

Soliai did have that knock on his effort circulated in the past. He did a fine job for the Fins last season, though.

Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-03-14 16:22:37

Thanks, ECB7. Nice to hear from you, and we appreciate the kind words. It's the members who make this site truly great!

Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-03-14 16:19:06

Anyone here familiar with Mike Adams? Seems like a solid veteran, could bring stability to the secondary if Dawk retires.

Posted by Royalwithcheese on 2012-03-14 15:42:14

I don't know about you guys, but I'm about done with the Peyton Manning waiting game. Super Mario, please.

Posted by Xtreme212000 on 2012-03-14 15:31:58

I would not be surprised to see the Broncos interested in Mario Williams. Julius Peppers was Fox's first pick @ # 2 when he became coach of the Panthers. I think he likes dominant defensive players.

Unfortunately Williams has an injury history.

Posted by BlackKnigh on 2012-03-14 15:20:24

What would it be like to have those two guys in the middle with Ayers and another DT rotating in and Mario Williams and DOOM on the ends? EFX may be wanting to make Denver a dominant defensive team. That is a little like the DL the G men have.

Posted by BlackKnigh on 2012-03-14 15:14:47

That's a head-scratcher. I figured he'd compete for a starting job in Seattle, Arizona, Cleveland, or Miami. Surprised he'd settle for a backup job.

Posted by Nick (ncm42) on 2012-03-14 15:03:22

AR, that's why I think it is all about $$$$$. Those other factors are not and will not be changing. As much as I hate the saying, they are what they are. So what factor is left to really haggle over? Money.

Exactly UDog this is a good place for Orton to be. Reply fail this was sposta be under Bob.

Posted by sleepyteak on 2012-03-14 14:12:58

Part of me is wondering if Omar Kelly wrote the wrong team again. We've already heard the Titans were going to pursue Mario Williams -- I wonder if he meant Titans, just as he wrote "Texans pursuing Peyton" when it was really "Titans."

Posted by Bob on 2012-03-14 14:11:39

This makes sense, If Denver doesn't sign PM, then they should focus on being a dominant defensive team. If they sign PM, then they should focus on being a dominant offensive team. I like Mario/Ayers/Bunkley/Doom with Von attacking various places between them.

Posted by sleepyteak on 2012-03-14 14:11:22

Man I am giddy just thinking about Manning with the offense and Mario with the defense. Our pass rush would be unstoppable. Our passing game would unstoppable. I know I am getting my hopes up and it's unlikely we get both and it's not even certain we get one of them but I can dream can't I?

Posted by rich on 2012-03-14 14:09:55

Wow! Is that really what is happening here? Manning and Mario? Or just one? I didn't see the NFL Network report.

Posted by Royalwithcheese on 2012-03-14 13:57:55

Orange_and_Blue It may have been the Colts and Peyton Manning who delayed the start, but once it started, Peyton Manning is the only one keeping it going. All he has to do is pick a team (and I have no doubt he knows who that will be) to end it, and everyone can move on with free agency.

Posted by CompUser on 2012-03-14 13:56:18

Mario Williams. Now that is more like it. A dominant player in his prime. That is how you should spend the big bucks. You can move Ayers inside to DT and the line has just greatly improved.

Posted by John Hilton on 2012-03-14 13:51:11

EastCoastBronco7 I don't think $20 million/year will be enough. The last I read was that the expectation was it would take a 4-year, $100 million contract to sign Peyton Manning. I think he was paid $23 million last season.

Posted by CompUser on 2012-03-14 13:49:12

A possible update of sorts:RT @ShawnZobel_DHQ: Peyton was nearly a Bronco after "things fell apart quicker than t/Titanic sinking" w/Miami. It's down to Den and Ten.

Posted by underdog on 2012-03-14 13:39:57

Ditto. And I think you mean "when Romo gets injured," not "if." :)

Posted by underdog on 2012-03-14 13:38:03

Agreed. He seems to be a good guy who has kind of had a rough career.

Posted by EastCoastBronco7 on 2012-03-14 13:37:22

Orton to Dallas is a good move. The Cowboys have a good fallback option if Tony Romo gets injured, or if he should struggle to the point they decide to bench him. Best of luck to Kyle -- things may not have worked out in Denver but I still like and respect him.

Posted by Bob on 2012-03-14 13:34:21

NFL Network just said Denver is working to tie them both up.

Soliai is bigger, probably more talented. Bunkley was far more productive last year. But it looks like Denver wants run stuffers at both tackle positions, 3-techs not so much.

Posted by drewthorn on 2012-03-14 13:30:54

I'm sorry to see Orton in Dallas. I like Orton but despise Dallas.

Posted by bradley on 2012-03-14 13:30:42

Good post.

Posted by Dan Alsup on 2012-03-14 13:30:00

Bunk and Soliai would be a good combination with Von, Doom and Ayers. If we can do that and improve at ILB and S, our D will be okay. Hopefully, some of our young players pan out at S and ILB.

Posted by Dan Alsup on 2012-03-14 13:24:38

Well spoken. Thanks.

Posted by BlackKnigh on 2012-03-14 13:13:58

Salary cap is $120M. $20M is a $10M premium over the price of an average established starting QB. He could easily justify that if playing well.

Posted by ohiobronco on 2012-03-14 13:11:38

I'm not sure what to make of Bunk vs Soliai. Does the team view Soliai as an upgrade over Bunk? Does Bunk want more than the team is willing to pay him, or have offers from other teams? Is this just a ploy to get Bunk to sign? I like Bunk and know nothing of Soliai.

Are the two mutually exclusive? Bunk and Soliai would make the middle of the Bronco D very hard to run on.

Posted by A R on 2012-03-14 13:04:30

And looking at some of the money being doled out to some of these free agents, I'm glad the Broncos have remained patient -- even if part of it is waiting on Peyton Manning's decision. Redskins overpaid for Pierre Garcon, Chargers may have given too much money to Robert Meachem, Bucs are throwing money all over the place (I think they overpaid for Eric Wright) and now, per Adam Schefter, the Vikings are giving $5 million per year to John Carlson.

And it's not just the Broncos being patient. Cincinnati has the most cap room to spend of any team and all is quiet with the Bengals so far.

Posted by Bob on 2012-03-14 13:04:20

Nick, anybody who gets Manning is going to "overpay". No real getting around that. Last I heard his expected contract is going to be around $20mill p/year. 20-FREAKING-MILL-PER-YEAR! Thats more in a year then most NFL players will make in their entire career.

So the question isn't whether or not we will overpay if we land him, the question is will the benefit outweigh the cost? To me that depends on 1) His health and exactly how deminished his abilities are and 2) How much Manning's salary will hurt and/or cripple Denver's ability to sign other players. And I don't see how any of us here can know the answer to either of those questions. So I just sit back, trust the FO, and root my butt off like always.

(Edit: new to disqus. Don't know why that posted directly below the original post and not under Nick's post.)

Posted by EastCoastBronco7 on 2012-03-14 13:03:17

I still don't agree that it's all about the money. Yes, each team is what it is, they made their case, and can't change anything except the amount of money they are offering. Maybe he already made up his mind, and is taking his time to get a few extra million out of the team he chose.

But Manning has already made plenty of money. It's going to come down to the situation, not the contract size. If Manning thinks Denver gives him the best chance of a Super Bowl run, I don't think another 5 or 10 million from someone else changes that. If he wants to pad his stats in the desert dome with Larry Fitz, live in South Beach year round, or go back to Tenn, more money from Denver won't change that.

So yes, Manning is going to try to maximize the contract size. But I think in the end, he picks the team that has the most of what he wants, not the one that simply offers the biggest contract. Unless he's equally happy with two or more of the teams and the highest bidder wins.

Posted by A R on 2012-03-14 13:01:14

If Soliai signs with Denver, it may not mean Bunkley is gone. Marcus Thomas is still a free agent and the Broncos may prefer to have Soliai and Bunkley as starters. And no guarantees Ty Warren will stay healthy or Kevin Vickerson will be the guy the Broncos will want as a starter.

Posted by Bob on 2012-03-14 13:00:51

Well said Super7.

Posted by A R on 2012-03-14 12:52:09

Okay. Hm. Yeah, anyway, will gladly take him over Bustworth. :)

Clearly that commenter was thinking of Soleil Moon Frye.

Posted by underdog on 2012-03-14 12:51:12

Underdog - I don't recall where I read that about Soliai, but I recall that I felt I had no real reason to believe thst statement to be credible, and no reason not to. The commenter was referring more to Soliai being a bit lazy (except last year, a contract year) rather than Soliai being a stomper, like Haynesworth. All I really know is that Bunkley is a really great guy.

Posted by bradley on 2012-03-14 12:48:03

totally agree man

Posted by Tachiini on 2012-03-14 12:44:31

Where did you read that? Have never heard the two compared before, and don't think that's fair.

He's very, very good. I like Bunkley too, but if he's not coming back Soliai would be an upgrade.

Posted by underdog on 2012-03-14 12:39:30

Iread someplace that Soliai has a bit of Albert Haynesworth in him, so I'd prefer Bunkley.

Posted by bradley on 2012-03-14 12:36:05

To be honest, I'm not that familiar with Solari, but seems like everything I've read the past couple days he would be an upgrade over Bunk, no?

Posted by ButteBronco on 2012-03-14 12:30:43

This favours Broncos as they have the biggest room of the lot so can still make moves and keep that 25mill free.

Posted by Steve Williams on 2012-03-14 12:26:52

Well said, Super7. And no need to apologize for going long -- as long as you do a good job addressing your points (and I believe you did), everything is cool.

Posted by Bob on 2012-03-14 12:24:16

Stephen Tulloch -- I am calling on behalf of Denver... Evan Mathis -- Come to town for a visit!

Posted by Todd Jewell on 2012-03-14 12:20:09

Also for those of you that keep mentioning ownership -- you cannot give that in a deal. It can be wink wink nudge nudge -- but then what happens if Adams dies before you are done playing?

Posted by Todd Jewell on 2012-03-14 12:17:41

I really hope we don't lose the Bunk!

Posted by Nick (ncm42) on 2012-03-14 12:16:48

Couldn't agree more, O and B. He's extremely smart, we always hear how he's a "student of the game," he's narrowed the field down. Something tells me he's done his research and now is just driving up the price. Good for him and all, but I hope the team doesn't get suckered into overpaying for him.

Posted by Nick (ncm42) on 2012-03-14 12:13:24

I think the Manning thing is down to Denver and Tennessee. No sources, just common sense. Just my opinion.

Lets assume that Manning sees Denver and Tennessee as equally good teams with an equally good chance of winning their divisions (although I'd give Denver an edge there, although not a huge one). Lets also assume that Manning views the running games, wide receivers, and defenses on equal footing as well.

They can both give him a ton of money, although Tennessee may offer ownership rights, etc and just give Denver's contract the "Price is Right" treatment (adding $1 - but this time with some 0's behind it). It seems as though Adams has staked his reputation on this deal and is determined to blow the offer out. He's old enough to where if this fails, he won't have to live it down, because old coots don't care.

Pluses for Tennessee:

+ Familiarity with the division, the stadiums, and personnel.+ Familiarity with the region/state - although he didn't go to school in Nashville, it's in the same region of the country as Knoxville and much closer to his family vacation home in Chattanooga and his folks' place in New Orleans.+ Revenge against Indy

Pluses for Denver

+ John Elway - his career from age 35+ is precisely what Manning desires. He has seen it done, was the HoFer QB, and is now the architect+ Recent Playoff success+ Manning can play in more of a bubble than he can anywhere else outside of Arizona

Maybe it's all about money. Maybe it's all about a "Revenge Tour". Maybe it's all about the future beyond the game. Maybe it's all about signing Jeff Saturday and Dallas Clark. Maybe it's about the best supporting cast.

Maybe it's not.

Reading the players at the table, Tennessee almost seems manic and Denver seems like the cool kid in shades.

Regardless, I don't think Elway has done anything but BOLSTER his reputation across the league. He's proven that he wants to win his way and he's willing to do whatever it takes to get there. He understands that having an elite QB, even if its only for a 3 years, is the most important leading indicator of success in 2012's NFL.

I'm proud of Elway and his team, regardless of the outcome. They are at the adult table. What Denver's involved in today is big time stuff. If Denver somehow gets Manning, they will be a Super Bowl contender in 2012. Yeah, they'd still have holes, but not any more than the Steelers, Patriots, Chargers, Ravens, and Jets have. It's the Texans we should be worried about.

John Elway has shown that he believes that having an elite QB is the only way to compete for a Super Bowl. Otherwise he wouldn't have gotten involved in this mess. For those of you that hope Denver just keeps building the defense to an elite level and keeps the same general offense from 2010, realize that in the last 25 years, only the 2000 Ravens and 2004 Buccaneers accomplished what you're hoping Denver can accomplish (read: Not bloody likely). And that's not sustainable.

I woke up today thinking that Tennessee is going to get Manning. If they do, so be it. It's not like Elway doesn't have a plan B. And a plan C.

I'm just happy to see Denver going for it.

And for someone (me) that really likes Tebow as a guy and a role model (as a dad, who wouldn't), the hate and jealousy coming from Tebow fans and shoveled onto media members and true Broncos fans is dispicable. In a way, it's made me hope that Denevr can wash their hands of the situation.

Tebow fans and Tebow should not be surprised. If you play QB in the NFL and have started 10 or more games and you still cannot complete more than 50% of your passes with any level of consistency, then your job is in jeopardy. Every day.

If Denver misses out on Manning, you can bet that they will add another QB through FA or the draft and that person will compete for the starter job with Tim. Elway will not stop looking for Tebow's replacement until Tebow can complete at least around 60% of his passes over an entire season, stop holding the ball too long, quicken his release, and stop fumbling and taking so many hits so often. In short, probably never. Elway obviously doesn't think that Tebow can be the cornerstone of the franchise. And I'd bet that 32 out of 32 owners/GM's would agree with him, even if they wouldn't say it publically because of Tebow's popularity (looking in your direction, Khan).

Just my opinions. Sorry for the frickin novel.

Posted by Super7 on 2012-03-14 12:08:59

almost every player I wanted the Broncos to look at is still out there ... quite nice. Other than the corners who for the most part were 'average' players. I wanted Brandon Carr, but not for the $$ that the Cowboys seem willing to offer.

Posted by Todd Jewell on 2012-03-14 12:00:54

At this point, it's all about the money. he knows the situations. he knows he gets to call the shots and what teams have and are chasing.

It's always about the money.

Posted by Orange_and_Blue on 2012-03-14 11:52:10

The one thing that sticks out is how this should have been done between Indy and manning (splitting up) sooner than last Wednesday. He would have been able to do all the meeting and travelling and deciding prior to the FA period and possibly damaging other teams' chances at other FA.

That's the one part I blame both Indy and manning. but it's not their fault we would chase Manning and fall for this whole thing int he first place.

Posted by Orange_and_Blue on 2012-03-14 11:50:55

Manning is probably looking for the best overall situation, and it's not all about money. Does Manning want to go to a young team with cap room that could sign his ex Colt buddies? Does he want to play pitch n catch with Larry Fitz in the Desert Dome? Does he want to play in a weak conference? Does he want to go back to play in Tenn? If playing in a dome or going to Tenn is more important to Manning, the Broncos can't change that with more money. And if Denver can offer him the most of what he wants, other teams can't outbid that.

Posted by A R on 2012-03-14 11:38:51

I've already grown more tired of the Peyton Manning saga than I ever was of Jay Cutler or Tim Tebow, and I'm hoping he goes anywhere but Denver. He should just sign with Miami already, and quit playing games with all these teams, messing with their ability to pursue players in free agency. What little respect I ever had for Peyton Manning is pretty much gone.

Posted by CompUser on 2012-03-14 11:37:46

I see a similar thing with Soliai. He is being used as leverage for Denver to drive down Bunkley's price. What is true about his visit or not is hard to tell.

Posted by sleepyteak on 2012-03-14 11:33:53

A lot in the FA market depends on PM. Consider 4 teams have to keep 25 million of cap space open for him, when he signs with a team that will theoretically open up 75 million in capspace. Then a lot of other players will start to sign.

Posted by sleepyteak on 2012-03-14 11:26:03

Mort really shouldn't be trusted with his reports, not saying he is being dishonest but he is represented by the same agency that Peyton has. His reporting on Peyton seems like it always creates more kaos everytime, makes you wonder how long this plays.

Posted by akatom3565 on 2012-03-14 11:25:29

Mort is getting his information from PM's agent, who I believe is also his agent and is clearly just trying to drive up the price tag here. Oh, boy, no one's eliminated! Maybe if we offer another $4 million a year we can get him!

Posted by Royalwithcheese on 2012-03-14 11:24:16

So depending on the source, the Broncos' biggest competitor for Peyton's services is either the Dolphins, the Titans or the Cardinals.

Glad everything is cleared up.

Posted by Bob on 2012-03-14 11:20:17

Thank heavens Marshall is not a Bronco. How many public allegations of violence against women does this make now? 5?

Posted by magster on 2012-03-14 10:48:39

Probably why the Broncos wait a few days before signing players. Why get stuck paying a gaurd 50+ mil?

There are a few other teams notably missing from the headlines, and they're all playoff teams...

Posted by OutOfYourElement on 2012-03-14 10:39:49

I guess that Carl Nicks is pretty good, but 47 million over 5 years and 31 guarenteed for a guard? Un freaking believeable.

Posted by A R on 2012-03-14 10:24:40

Hey all. LONG time since I posted but I am still here every day (MANY times a day since FA started). Just wanted to say to Doug, TJ, Doc and Ted, you guys have been absolutely KILLING the FA coverage. Between you guys and my twitter account I am overdosing on NFL news. LOL. Thanks guys. STILL the best Broncos site online.

Posted by EastCoastBronco7 on 2012-03-14 10:16:57

Tampa's moves will make them better for sure, but it also reeks of new leadership trying to win the fans over with a couple of big moves. Their moves are as much about PR as they are about making the team better.